by jeeg
29. March 2012 01:40
A proposal for an
Australia-wide DNA database is building momentum, a 7News report has revealed.
The idea for a genetic
profiling registry is supported by Police Minister Michael Gallacher, who will
put a proposal before the Council of Australian Governments.
By linking DNA samples from
crime scenes to a DNA database there is potential to solve a majority of the
60,000 outstanding cases on the NSW crime scene database, supporters say.
“It’s something that needs to
be seriously considered by government.” Police Minister Michael Gallacher
argues.
Police Commissioner Andrew
Scipione told 7News a DNA database could radically alter the way crime
investigators conduct their work,
“It could be the difference
between solving some hideous crime and having an offender that runs free to
commit further crimes for many, many years. It would be a massive
game-changer.” Scipione says.
Currently only convicted
criminals have their DNA imprint recorded.
Civil libertarians argue it
is a bad idea that allows governments too much access to sensitive information,
and could have dangerous implications if accessed for the wrong reasons.
Supporters of a DNA registry
say files would be kept under strict safeguards, and police would only have the
right to pursue a suspect with a Supreme Court warrant.
7News Sydney
